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Gold-by-Post Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction

These Terms & Conditions apply to the Gold-by-Post service provided by The Hamilton Gold Company Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”).

The Gold-by-Post service allows customers to send gold, silver, and other accepted precious-metal items to us by post for valuation and potential sale, rather than attending one of our premises in person.

By requesting a postal pack, submitting items to us by post, or otherwise using our Gold-by-Post service, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.

2. Scope of the Gold-by-Post Service

2.1
The Gold-by-Post service is offered as an alternative method of selling precious metals, intended primarily for customers who prefer not to attend in person.

2.2
The service applies only to items voluntarily sent to us by the customer for the purpose of valuation and potential purchase.

2.3.1
The Gold-by-Post service covers:

  • scrap gold and gold jewellery (excluding gold-plated items);

  • high-carat and non-hallmarked gold;

  • gold and silver coins and bars (subject to acceptance);

  • silver items, subject to a minimum quantity of 100 grams per transaction;

  • watches, diamonds, and other gemstones.

  • Gold plated items are not accepted

2.3.2

Diamonds, gemstones, and watches may be assessed separately and may be determined to have no commercial value. Where such items are deemed to have no value, they may be returned to the customer upon request.

2.4
Items sent to us under the Gold-by-Post service are assessed in the same manner as items presented in person, using a combination of professional testing methods, which may include:

  • XRF analysis

  • Acid testing

  • Weight and visual inspection

2.5
The Gold-by-Post service does not guarantee that we will purchase any item submitted. All valuations are subject to inspection, testing, and our acceptance at the time of receipt.

2.6
This service is operated as part of The Hamilton Gold Company Ltd and is not a separate business, brand, or legal entity.

2.7
The Gold-by-Post service is available to customers within the United Kingdom only, unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing.

3. Relationship to In-Store Services

3.1
Gold-by-Post is a convenience service and does not replace or override our in-store services.

3.2
Prices, offers, and valuations provided through the Gold-by-Post service may differ from in-store transactions due to:

  • Market movement

  • Testing results

  • Postage and handling considerations

4. Posting Options & Responsibility for Transit

4.1
Customers using the Gold-by-Post service may submit items to us by post using one of the following methods, as outlined on our website or accompanying instructions.

4.2 Pre-Paid Special Delivery Postal Packs

4.2.1
Where offered, we may provide a pre-paid Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed postal pack for customer convenience.

4.2.2
Any pre-paid postal pack provided by us includes a Special Delivery service with a maximum compensation limit selected by the customer at the time of request.

4.2.3
The compensation limit selected represents the maximum amount payable by Royal Mail in the event of loss or damage, subject to Royal Mail’s terms and conditions. Compensation is limited to the level selected and does not automatically reflect the actual value of the items sent.

4.2.4
Once a pre-paid postal pack has been issued, the customer is responsible for:

  • Ensuring the items sent do not exceed the selected compensation limit

  • Packaging items securely in accordance with our instructions

  • Retaining the posting receipt provided by the Post Office

4.2.5
Where a pre-paid postal pack is used, we are the contracting party with Royal Mail and will submit any claim for loss or damage on the customer’s behalf, subject to Royal Mail’s terms and conditions.

4.2.6

Any compensation paid by Royal Mail will be passed on to the customer, less any applicable charges or deductions permitted under these Terms & Conditions. We do not guarantee the outcome of any claim and accept no liability for any claim that is declined, reduced, delayed, or unpaid by Royal Mail. We do not accept responsibility for the manner in which Royal Mail assesses or determines claims, and our role is limited to submitting information provided to us in good faith.

4.2.7
We are not responsible for any insurance claim that is declined, delayed, reduced, or otherwise not paid by Royal Mail, whether due to insufficient evidence, inadequate packaging, prohibited contents, failure to follow Royal Mail’s requirements, or any other reason outside our control.

4.2.8
Customers are responsible for retaining any evidence that Royal Mail may reasonably require in the event of a claim, including but not limited to:

  • the posting receipt or proof of posting

  • a description of the items sent

  • photographs of the items prior to posting, where available

  • correspondence or records relating to the transaction

Formal receipts or valuations are not required for most claims, but customers should retain any information that may reasonably assist in demonstrating the contents of a parcel.

4.3 Customer-Arranged Postage

4.3.1
Customers may choose to arrange their own postage using Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed or another insured courier of their choosing.

4.3.2
Where customers arrange their own postage:

  • The customer is responsible for selecting an appropriate service and insurance level

  • The contract for carriage is between the customer and the carrier

  • Any claim for loss or damage in transit must be made by the customer directly with the carrier

4.3.3
We strongly recommend that customers arranging their own postage select an insurance level that accurately reflects the value of the items being sent.

4.4 Risk During Transit to Us

4.4.1
Items sent to us by post remain the customer’s responsibility until physically received and signed for by us.

4.4.2
We do not accept responsibility for loss, delay, or damage occurring while items are in transit to us, except to the extent that compensation is recovered from Royal Mail under a pre-paid postal pack provided by us.

4.5 Packaging Requirements

4.5.1
Customers must package all items securely to prevent movement, damage, or loss during transit.

4.5.2
We reserve the right to refuse liability for damage caused by inadequate or inappropriate packaging.

5. Receipt, Opening, Testing & Transfer of Responsibility

5.1 Receipt of Items

5.1.1
Items sent to us under the Gold-by-Post service are deemed received only when physically delivered to and signed for by us.

5.1.2
Risk in the items transfers from the customer to us only upon receipt as defined in clause 5.1.1.

5.1.3
We do not accept responsibility for loss, delay, or damage occurring prior to receipt, except to the extent set out in Section 4.

5.2 Opening & Recording

5.2.1
All parcels received under the Gold-by-Post service are opened in a controlled environment.

5.2.2
For security and audit purposes:

  • Parcels may be opened under CCTV

  • Items may be photographed upon opening and during assessment

5.2.3
These records are retained for internal verification, security, and dispute resolution purposes and are not routinely provided to customers unless required.

5.3 Testing of Items

5.3.1
All items submitted under the Gold-by-Post service are subject to professional testing to determine metal content, purity, and weight.

5.3.2
Testing methods may include, but are not limited to:

  • XRF analysis

  • Acid testing

  • Weight and visual inspection

5.3.3
By using the Gold-by-Post service, the customer authorises us to carry out all testing reasonably required to assess the items.

5.4 Destructive Testing

5.4.1
Certain testing methods, including but not limited to acid testing, may be partially destructive and may result in minor marks, scratches, or other alterations to the items.

5.4.2
By submitting items to us by post, the customer expressly consents to such testing and acknowledges that items may not be returned in exactly the same condition as received.

5.4.3
We accept no liability for changes to the condition of items arising from reasonable testing carried out in the normal course of valuation. We will take reasonable care when handling and testing items submitted under the Gold-by-Post service.

5.5 No Guarantee of Purchase

5.5.1
Submission of items under the Gold-by-Post service does not create any obligation on us to purchase the items.

5.5.2
All valuations and offers are subject to inspection, testing, and our acceptance at the time of assessment.

6. Valuation, Offers & Payment

6.1 Valuation Process

6.1.1
Once items are received, they are assessed by us as soon as reasonably practicable.

6.1.2
Valuations are based on:

  • the metal content and purity of the items

  • the weight of precious metal recovered

  • prevailing market prices at the time of assessment

  • the condition and nature of the items

6.1.3
All valuations are determined solely by us following physical inspection and testing. Any estimates provided prior to receipt are indicative only and are not binding.

6.1.4
Valuations and offers reflect our commercial assessment of the items submitted and may differ from headline market prices or rates advertised elsewhere. Offers are not calculated using a fixed percentage of any published spot price.

6.2 Offers to Purchase

6.2.1
Following valuation, we may make an offer to purchase the items.

6.2.2
Offers are communicated to the customer using the contact details provided and are typically valid for a limited period only, reflecting market conditions.

6.2.3
We reserve the right to withdraw or amend an offer if:

  • market prices change materially

  • additional testing is required

  • information provided by the customer is inaccurate or incomplete

6.2.4
Customers are under no obligation to accept any offer made.

6.2.5
Offers are normally valid for 48 hours from the time they are communicated, unless stated otherwise.

6.2.6
If no response is received within the offer validity period, the offer will lapse. We may either:

  • issue a revised offer based on current market conditions; or

  • arrange return of the items in accordance with Section 7.

6.3 Acceptance of an Offer

6.3.1
An offer is accepted only when the customer confirms acceptance in the manner specified by us.

6.3.2
Once an offer has been accepted:

  • ownership of the items transfers to us

  • the items will not be returned

  • the transaction is treated as final, subject to Section 6.4

6.4 Payment

6.4.1
Payment for accepted offers is made by bank transfer only, to a UK bank account held in the customer’s name.

6.4.2
Payments are normally made on the same working day that an offer is accepted, or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter.

6.4.3
We do not make payments by cash, cheque, or to third-party bank accounts.

6.4.4
We reserve the right to delay payment where:

  • identity verification is required

  • additional compliance checks are necessary

  • bank details provided are incomplete or incorrect

6.4.5
Bank account details provided must be held in the customer’s own name and must correspond with identity information supplied.

6.4.6
Where payment cannot be completed due to incorrect bank details, account-name mismatch, or failed transfers, we reserve the right to delay payment, request further verification, or cancel the transaction and return the items in accordance with Section 7.

6.5 No Price Guarantees

6.5.1
We do not guarantee any specific price, percentage of spot value, or valuation outcome.

6.5.2
Market prices for precious metals can fluctuate rapidly, and valuations reflect prices at the time of assessment only.

6.6 Distance Contracts & Cancellation

6.6.1
No sale is concluded until the customer has expressly accepted an offer made by us.

6.6.2
Where an offer is accepted, the price is determined by reference to prevailing precious-metal market conditions at the time of valuation. As such, statutory cancellation rights may not apply once an offer has been accepted.

6.6.3
Customers who do not wish to proceed may decline an offer and have their items returned in accordance with Section 7.

7. Declined Offers & Return of Items

7.1 Right to Decline

7.1.1
Customers are under no obligation to accept any offer made by us under the Gold-by-Post service.

7.1.2
If an offer is declined, the items will be returned to the customer in accordance with this section.

7.2 Return of Items

7.2.1
Where an offer is declined, items will be returned to the customer using an insured postal service selected by us.

7.2.2
Returns are normally dispatched as soon as reasonably practicable following confirmation that an offer has been declined.

7.2.3
Returned items will be sent to the address provided by the customer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

7.2.4
Returned items are sent using an insured postal service selected by us. Compensation for loss or damage during return transit is limited to the compensation level applicable to the service used, and we do not accept liability beyond any compensation actually paid by the carrier.

7.3 Cost of Returns

7.3.1
We do not charge an administration fee for the return of items where an offer is declined.

7.3.2
The cost of return postage and insurance is borne by us, except where additional charges arise as a result of:

  • inaccurate or incomplete information provided by the customer

  • items exceeding reasonable packaging, weight, or service limits

  • special delivery instructions requested by the customer

7.3.3
Where additional charges arise in the circumstances set out in clause 7.3.2, we reserve the right to recover such costs or deduct them from any settlement, where applicable.

7.4 Condition of Returned Items

7.4.1
Items returned following a declined offer may not be in identical condition to when received due to reasonable testing carried out in accordance with Section 5.

7.4.2
We accept no liability for changes to the condition of items resulting from such testing.

7.5 Unclaimed or Undeliverable Returns

7.5.1
Where returned items are not successfully delivered due to incorrect address details or failure to accept delivery, we will make reasonable efforts to contact the customer.

7.5.2
We reserve the right to charge reasonable storage, re-delivery, or handling costs where items remain unclaimed or undeliverable for an extended period.

7.5.3

Where an offer has been made and no response is received from the customer within 28 calendar days of the offer being communicated, the items will be returned to the customer in accordance with this section. Non-response will not be treated as acceptance of an offer, and we will not proceed with payment or sale of items without the customer’s express consent. We may attempt to contact the customer before arranging return, but are not obliged to do so.

8. Compliance, Identity Verification & Anti-Money Laundering

8.1 Regulatory Obligations

8.1.1
We are required by law to comply with applicable anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing, and proceeds of crime regulations.

8.1.2
These obligations apply regardless of whether items are submitted in person or by post and are not discretionary.

8.2 Identity Verification

8.2.1
We may require customers to provide proof of identity and, where applicable, proof of address before completing a transaction.

8.2.2
Acceptable forms of identification may include, but are not limited to:

  • a valid passport

  • a UK photocard driving licence

  • other government-issued identification

8.2.3
Where identity verification is required, payment will not be made until satisfactory checks have been completed.

8.3 Transaction Monitoring & Enhanced Checks

8.3.1
We reserve the right to carry out additional checks where:

  • the value of a transaction is high

  • the nature of the items submitted requires further scrutiny

  • information provided is incomplete or inconsistent

  • we are otherwise required to do so by law

8.3.2
In certain circumstances, enhanced due diligence may be required, which may include requesting additional information or documentation.

8.4 Payment Restrictions

8.4.1
Payment under the Gold-by-Post service is made by bank transfer only to a UK bank account held in the customer’s own name.

8.4.2
We do not make payments to third-party accounts, overseas accounts, or accounts not clearly connected to the customer.

8.5 Reporting Obligations

8.5.1
We are legally required to report suspicious activity where appropriate and may be prohibited from informing customers when such a report has been made.

8.5.2
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions requires us to proceed with a transaction where doing so would breach our legal or regulatory obligations.

 

9. Data Protection & Record-Keeping

9.1 Personal Data

9.1.1
We collect and process personal data provided by customers in connection with the Gold-by-Post service, including contact details, identification information, bank details, and transaction records.

9.1.2
Personal data is processed for the purposes of:

  • administering the Gold-by-Post service

  • complying with legal and regulatory obligations

  • preventing fraud and financial crime

  • maintaining accurate business records

9.1.3
We process personal data in accordance with applicable data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

9.2 Photographs, CCTV & Records

9.2.1
For security, audit, and dispute-resolution purposes, we may:

  • photograph items received

  • retain images of parcels and contents

  • record the opening and handling of parcels using CCTV

9.2.2
Such records are retained securely and accessed only by authorised personnel.

9.2.3
These records are not routinely shared with customers but may be disclosed where required for:

  • dispute resolution

  • insurance claims

  • legal or regulatory purposes

9.3 Data Retention

9.3.1
Personal data and transaction records are retained only for as long as reasonably necessary to:

  • fulfil the purposes set out in these Terms & Conditions

  • comply with legal, regulatory, or accounting requirements

9.3.2
Certain records may be retained for extended periods where required by law, including AML and financial-record-keeping obligations.

9.4 Data Sharing

9.4.1
We do not sell or rent customer personal data to third parties.

9.4.2
We may share personal data with:

  • payment providers

  • carriers and insurers

  • professional advisers

  • regulators or law enforcement bodies

where such disclosure is lawful and necessary.

9.5 Further Information

9.5.1
Further information about how we handle personal data is available in our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these Terms & Conditions.

9.6 Customer Warranties & Declarations

9.6.1

By using the Gold-by-Post service, the customer warrants and represents that:

  • they are the legal owner of the items submitted, or have full authority to sell them;

  • the items are not stolen, counterfeit, or otherwise unlawfully obtained;

  • they are at least 18 years of age;

  • all information provided in connection with the transaction is accurate and complete.

9.6.2

We reserve the right to refuse to proceed with a transaction, delay payment, return items, or report matters to the appropriate authorities where we reasonably believe these warranties have been breached or where required by law.

10. Limitation of Liability

10.1 General

10.1.1
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes or limits our liability for:

  • death or personal injury caused by our negligence

  • fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation

  • any liability that cannot be excluded or limited by law

10.2 Transit & Postal Services

10.2.1
Our liability for loss or damage occurring during transit is limited as set out in Section 4 (Posting Options & Responsibility for Transit).

10.2.2
We do not accept primary liability for loss or damage occurring during transit. Where a parcel sent using a pre-paid postal pack is lost or damaged and compensation is paid by Royal Mail or another carrier, our liability is limited to passing on any compensation received. We are not liable for any shortfall, excess, or unpaid amount.

10.3 Valuation & Pricing

10.3.1
We are not liable for any dissatisfaction arising from the valuation or offer made, provided the customer is free to decline the offer and have items returned in accordance with these Terms & Conditions.

10.3.2
We do not accept liability for differences between our offer and:

  • market prices

  • spot prices

  • prices offered by third parties

10.4 Indirect or Consequential Loss

10.4.1
To the maximum extent permitted by law, we are not liable for:

  • loss of profit

  • loss of opportunity

  • loss of anticipated value

  • sentimental value

  • indirect or consequential loss

  • arising from the use of the Gold-by-Post service.

10.5 Total Liability

10.5.1
Subject to clause 10.1, our total liability to the customer in respect of any claim arising under the Gold-by-Post service is limited to the lower of:

  • the amount paid to the customer for the items, or

  • the applicable postal compensation received

 

11. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

11.1
These Terms & Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or the Gold-by-Post service, are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

11.2
Subject to any mandatory consumer protections that apply, the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising under these Terms & Conditions.

12. Amendments, Severability & Entire Agreement

12.1 Amendments

12.1.1
We reserve the right to amend these Terms & Conditions from time to time.

12.1.2
The version in force at the time items are submitted under the Gold-by-Post service will apply to that transaction.

12.2 Severability

12.2.1
If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found to be unlawful, invalid, or unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed severed and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

12.3 Entire Agreement

12.3.1
These Terms & Conditions constitute the entire agreement between the customer and us in relation to the Gold-by-Post service and supersede any prior discussions, correspondence, or representations.

13. Contact Details

13.1
The Gold-by-Post service is operated by:

The Hamilton Gold Company Ltd
16A High Street

Thames Ditton

Surrey

KT7 0RY

Company Number: 15704160

13.2
If you have any questions about the Gold-by-Post service or these Terms & Conditions, please contact us using the details provided on our website.

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